Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Ep 194: Another Lap Around the Sun: Josh and Dana Reflect on The Year in Review of Family, Work and the Podcast
Description
In this annual Year in Review episode of Sports ’N Torts, Joshua Stein continues a personal tradition—pausing before the calendar turns to reflect on the year that was. Guided by thoughtful questions from his wife Dana, the conversation feels less like an interview and more like a real check-in on family, work, and the moments that mattered most.
The episode touches on life at home with both kids now in high school, the pace of milestone moments, and the role youth sports played throughout the year—from travel baseball highs to the perspective gained by coaching instead of competing. The two also reflects on a year filled with music, travel, and shared experiences that helped create space outside of work.
Professionally, the focus stays on meaning rather than metrics: standout cases, growth within the firm, the satisfaction of mentoring, and why community-based relationships continue to matter more than traditional marketing. The episode closes with reflections on podcasting itself—why the conversations and connections outweigh downloads—and why taking time to reflect has become an annual priority.
This is a grounded, honest look back at a full year—before turning the page to what’s next.
SHOW NOTES
In this episode, we cover:
- Why a year-in-review episode has become an annual tradition
- Life at home with both kids now in high school, including:
- Prom, homecoming, and senior-year moments
- College applications and tryouts
- Youth sports reflections:
- Travel baseball season and Maccabi Games in Arizona
- Coaching volleyball instead of playing
- What sports continue to teach about patience, growth, and perspective
- Making time for fun and shared experiences:
- Concerts including Pearl Jam and Zac Brown Band at the Sphere
- A memorable Nashville trip
- Professional reflections:
- Two cases that stood out for personal and professional reasons
- The fulfillment that comes from mentoring and leadership
- Community-based marketing and connection:
- Hosting golf tournaments
- Sponsoring local high school teams
- Staying connected through authentic outreach and video
- Podcast reflections:
- Recording more than 50 episodes this year, including Last Call
- Favorite conversations and meaningful feedback
- Meeting many guests for the first time through the podcast
- Why impact and relationships matter more than downloads
- The creative fun of evolving episode cover art